So this last week a number of things happened and I didn't get anything close to what I wanted accomplished. That kinda makes me sad. From my time studying music, to the time I have spent studying and working in Radio, I have come across a large number of Musicians. There are so very many incredible talented people out there. Today I simply wanted to highlight a favorite. Realistically, there are a number of artists and bands who can balance a number of genres.

Regardless if you are thinking about your church service, your ministry, your family, or something for you to simply listen to as you drive/walk/run/work out, I think it's important to remember that we all have different tastes. But what do you do for meeting the needs of people with totally different tastes? What if you are a 'mood listener' like myself and your listening preference is totally dependent on how you are feeling or what you are doing?

I think that some musicians simply focus on their 'zone', their preferences and their own desires. But I kind of think it's refreshing to encounter those who are willing to go a little outside of that. In 1 Corinthians 9:21-23, The Apostle Paul says, "to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it." (NASB) The idea that Paul would be willing to stretch himself and try various ways of bringing the Gospel to as many people as possible is kind of refreshing as there are may time in today's society where people just have to have it 'My Way".

Stephen Curtis Chapman is an incredible example of an artist who is willing to branch out. He's known to be a songwriter with a passionate focus on worship. Yet he has been known tow write and travel with a large variety of other artists. He's dabbled in a little bit of Rap with old school DC Talk, has written some incredible love songs, and has been known to rehash older 'classics' (Hymns as well as rock).

One of the reasons why I think I look up to artists like him is that there seems to be some incredible authenticity. I remember seeing him once at Liberty University with his sons and he was just loving on his kids while he waited for his set. He shared a heartfelt testimony on the death of his daughter. Yet he doesn't take himself too seriously. He has posted some pretty fun videos on his facebook page, sometimes they involve his touring, sometimes his Snoopy shirts.

Stephen Curtis Chapman may be one of my favorite artists, but I am also happy to say that he is not the only one with a variety in his skill set. (Or with his life story).

We may not always like every kind of music. We might not always even agree with preferences or life choices.

But I think it's important to be wise and pay attention to the possibilities that are available in connecting others with Christ. Again, the list I presented was a pretty small one. Hundreds of new artists come out every year.

Who are some of your favorite Christian artists or bands that have a variety of skills and can bounce from genre to genre?